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Anderson backs Dublin/Monaghan families’ legal action

Sinn Féin MEP Martina Anderson called on the British government to make available all files relating to the Dublin/Monaghan bombings of 1974.

Martina Anderson was speaking after news that a legal action is being taken against the British government by victims of the bombings Derek Byrne and Paddy Askin. Derek Byrne was injured in one of the explosions which Paddy Askin's father was killed in the blasts.

Martina Anderson said:

“I hosted members of the Justice for the Forgotten group earlier this year in Europe. They were part of a delegation of people whose loved ones were killed or injured by British state forces and their loyalist death squads.

“I fully support their civil action against the British Ministry of Defence who continue to frustrate the families’ quest for truth. This would not have been necessary if the British government had carried out a proper investigation into the killings of the 34 people who died 40 years ago.

“At least two known British agents are believed to have been involved in these indiscriminate bombings and were protected and given immunity from prosecution by the British government.

“The British government also withheld vital information from the inquiry into the bombings by former Irish Supreme Court Judge, Henry Barron.

Judge Barron said in his report on the bombings in 2003 there were grounds to suspect the perpetrators may have had help from the British state forces.

“The Irish government is not immune from criticism in this and other cases where there was evidence of the involvement of British state forces or loyalist death squads in the deaths of Irish citizens.

“It failed its citizens by not carrying out a proper investigation.

“I would urge the Irish government therefore to provide whatever assistance the families need to progress this legal action in an bid to afford the families the prospect of truth if not justice.” END/CRÍOCH